2013 News Archive

The College Access Center of Delaware County has received a $52,500 grant from the
TD Charitable Foundation, the charitable giving arm of TD Bank, America's most convenient
bank®, to help fund the center's signature Road Map to College Program.

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett on Monday announced Anthony Grisillo, a teacher
in the Rose Tree Media School District and a 2002 graduate of Widener's master's in
education program, as Pennsylvania's 2014 Teacher of the Year.

Two Widener University graduate students have been selected as recipients of the General
and Mrs. John H. Tilelli Leadership Fellowship. Part of the Oskin Leadership Institute,
the fellowship is awarded annually to select graduate students whose scholarly research
will contribute to the university's enduring commitment to developing strategic leaders
and responsible citizens.

James Vike of Malvern, Pa., associate professor of political science at Widener University,
has been named the first Trainer Faculty Fellow by the Oskin Leadership Institute
at the university. The fellowship provides Vike with funding to continue his research
into factors promoting vibrant, yet also civil, political engagement in a deeply polarized
and divisive era.

Nine Widener University freshmen have been named the first Apogee Scholars by the
Oskin Leadership Institute at Widener for their high potential for leading change
on campus and in their communities. The students are also recipients of the Widener
High School Leadership Award and received a $20,000 scholarship to attend Widener.

U.S. News & World Report ranks Widener University among the Best Colleges for Veterans.
Released on Veterans Day, Widener ranks 48th among national universities in the news
publisher's inaugural ranking of schools that participate in federal initiatives helping
veterans and active service members apply, pay for and complete their degree.

The Widener University Observatory invites area teachers through the secondary level
- and their family members - to a special stargazing session using the observatory's
16-inch computerized reflecting telescope. The session will take place Tuesday, Nov.
12 from 7 to 8 p.m., with a rain date of Tuesday, Nov. 19.

Dr. Cathy M. Littlefield has received the 2013 Alexander Charters Outstanding Continuing
Educator Award presented by the University Professional and Continuing Education Association
Mid-Atlantic Region.

Widener University's new Lone Brick Theatre Company presents the first show of its
inaugural season on Nov. 8, 2013 with the production "Distracted," a comedy by playwright
and screenwriter Lisa Loomer.

One exhibition examines the strength and dignity of working people all over the world
through the camera lens of Milton Rogovin, the other highlights texture, light, and
the interplay of these qualities in the work of the 20th century masters of photography.
Both will be at the Widener University Art Gallery from November 9 through December
14.

In Chester, where basketball is king, if you ask elementary school students what their
favorite sport is, you might get an unexpected answer. That was the question put to
Aniyah Burton-Fairfax on Tuesday at Stetser Elementary School. The nine-year-old fourth
grader thought for a moment, and then replied emphatically, "soccer."

From Trinidad to Thailand, from China to Costa Rica, from Argentina to Australia--Widener
students and faculty are expanding their horizons on every continent in the world
except for the ice-covered South Pole of Antarctica. The following three stories highlight
student experiences in disparate parts of the world.

Widener University has planned a series of educational events to celebrate Food Day--the
nationwide celebration and movement toward more healthy, affordable and sustainable
food and a better food system

Widener University's FreshBaked Theatre Company will present The Legend of Sleepy
Hollow on two consecutive Sundays, Nov. 3 and Nov. 10, at 2 p.m. in Alumni Auditorium,
located on Widener's Main Campus in Chester, Pa.

Widener University this fall welcomed the largest freshman class in the 192-year history
of the institution, with 827 freshmen enrolled. In addition to being the largest ever
freshman class, it also has the best academic profile, boasting the highest average
SAT score and grade point average on record at the university. Widener's previous
largest freshman class was 782 in 2007.

Bestselling author and humorist Bill Bryson will speak at Widener University at 12
p.m. Tuesday, October 1 in the Webb Room of University Center. The event is free and
open to the public, but space is limited. To reserve seating, call 610-499-4112 or
e-mail cjcaporale@widener.edu.

The Oskin Leadership Institute at Widener University has chosen 12 students to participate
in the highly selective Oskin Leaders Program. Students in the program receive leadership
training and one-on-one coaching that guides them through identifying and developing
a leadership project. The program is administered by the Oskin Leadership Institute
at Widener.

For the fourth year, Victory Media, Inc. has selected Widener University as a "Military
Friendly School," placing it in the top 20 percent of all higher education institutions
nationwide that are doing the most to embrace America's military service members,
veterans and spouses as students and ensure their success on campus.

Widener recently became the first university in the region to join the Clinton Global
Initiative University (CGI University) Network. This consortium, founded by former
President Bill Clinton, provides support and funding to students who are committed
to developing solutions for some of the world's most pressing challenges.

Students returning to the Widener Partnership Charter School on September 4 were greeted
by new technology in their classrooms. The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA)
and the Radnor High School Chester Community Service Club recently donated more than
60 refurbished laptop computers and other technology to the state's first university-based
charter school.

Dr. Stephen R. Madigosky, professor and chair of the Department of Environmental Science
at Widener University, is the recipient of the 2013 Lindback Foundation Award for
Distinguished Teaching, an honor bestowed annually to a member of Widener's faculty.

The Widener University Board of Trustees recently appointed three new members to its
ranks including a vice president at Boeing, the new president of the Widener University-Pennsylvania
Military College Alumni Association, and an undergraduate student leader.

Leaders in the fields of aging, long-term care and lesbian, gay, transgender issues
will share their wisdom at the Sexuality, Intimacy and Aging Conference Sept. 27-28
at Widener University, Chester, Pa.

The Widener University Art Gallery will host From the Studio: The World of Norman
Rubington, an exhibition of the visual and literary works of the expatriate artist
and author from August 23 through October 19.

Dr. Alexis Nagengast, associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry and chair
of biochemistry at Widener University, has received the Braude Award from the Maryland
chapter of the American Chemical Society. This award recognizes chemistry faculty
in the United States who involve undergraduate students in their research.

The School of Nursing at Widener University has been named as a National League for
Nursing Center of Excellence for 2013-2017. Among the categories to achieve Center
of Excellence (COE) status Widener University chose "Creating Environments That Advance
the Science of Nursing Education."

Dr. Hal Shorey, assistant professor in the Institute for Graduate Clinical Psychology
at Widener University, has been named as a consulting editor to the Journal of Personality
Assessment (JPA), a leading journal in the area of clinical psychology.

A story in the July 17 edition of the Philadelphia Inquirer titled "Chester School
have a tireless advocate" erroneously reported that the Chester Upland School District
was handing out pamphlets stating that district students outperform Widener Partnership
Charter School students in standardized tests for third through eighth grades.

Julie Dietrich has been named director of government relations for Widener University,
serving as the university's primary liaison with local, state and federal governments
for all four of Widener's campuses in Chester, Pa., Exton, Pa., Harrisburg, Pa. and
Wilmington, Del.

The membership of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) has
elected Dr. James T. Harris III, president of Widener University, as treasurer of
the organization's Board of Trustees.

Aisha Hall, MSW, was recently named director of Social Work Counseling Services (SWCS)
at Widener University. Hall will also join the faculty as an assistant clinical professor
in the Center for Social Work Education.

Business Insider, a leading online business news site, has named Widener University
to its list of the Top 25 Most Underrated Colleges in America based on a comparison
of the annual U.S. News & World Report college rankings to the mid-career salaries
of college graduates.

Widener University's civic engagement efforts in the city of Chester have been recognized
by publications such as Newsweek and Washington Monthly, but now the federal government
is using Widener as a case study on the positive impact colleges and universities
can have in stabilizing and improving the nation's struggling communities.

Penn State University honored Widener University President James T. Harris III on
June 1 with the Distinguished Alumni Award for his support of higher education and
his role in bridging Widener with the city of Chester.

Three Widener University School of Business Administration faculty members have partnered
with the Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation to develop a highly specialized
guide to money management for people with disabilities.

Dr. Penelope Sue Greenberg of Pedricktown, N.J., has been appointed to the position
of associate provost for graduate studies at Widener. Greenberg will take on this
role while continuing to serve as associate dean in the School of Business Administration.

The Widener University Small Business Development Center has been awarded the Small
Business Administration's 2013 SBDC Excellence and Innovation Award for not only Eastern
Pennsylvania, but the entire Mid-Atlantic Region.

Bishop Shanahan High School students aspiring to be engineers can now get a jump start
on their college education thanks to an agreement the Downingtown, Pa.-based Catholic
school signed on Wednesday with Widener University.

Widener University commencement speaker Rula Al-Saffar urged nearly 900 students graduating
from Widener on Saturday to "knock on the doors of life until your hands bleed and
you get what you want. I want dignity and freedom."

Four members of the Widener University Class of 2013 have been named valedictorian
after each earning a 4.0 grade point average. Sharing the honor are Michelle Callaghan,
Edwin Dauber, Emma Ricciardi, and Erin Sylvester.

Students at Stetser Elementary School in Chester on Thursday traded in soccer balls
and corner kicks for leaf compost and peat moss to construct four raised bed gardens
as part of the Chester Upland Soccer for Success program.

The Department of Athletics encourages all to vote for Widener in this month's NCAA
Division III Special Olympics Poll. The poll, which runs through May 25 at 10 p.m.,
can be found at www.ncaa.org/D3SpecialOlympics.

When Janelle Rouse decided switch majors and transfer to another college, she looked
for a school that offered her new major and encouraged service and civic engagement.
What she didn't expect when she transferred Widener University in Chester, Pa. was
the leadership opportunities she would have. The sophomore special education from
Washington, D.C. was recently elected to the Board of Directors of the Character Education
Partnership, a national organization committed to developing civic virtue and moral
character in America's youth.

Widener University on Thursday honored the top faculty in the areas of teaching innovation,
research, and civic engagement at its annual Faculty Awards Banquet. Dr. Shirlee Drayton-Brooks,
professor in the School of Nursing; Dr. Kenneth Goldberg, associate professor in the
School of Human Service Professions; and Dr. Michael Rosko, professor in the School
of Business Administration, garnered top honors at the event coordinated by the Office
of Teaching, Learning and Assessment.

Campus Compact has honored 181 students from 36 states as 2013 Newman Civic Fellows.
Among the honorees is Widener University junior Melvin Holmes of Yeadon, Pa. The Newman
Civic Fellow Awards recognize inspiring college student leaders who have worked to
find solutions for challenges facing their communities.

The Widener University-Pennsylvania Military College Alumni Association recognized
three alumni, a student and a faculty member during the annual awards ceremony April
13 during Alumni Volunteer and Excellence Weekend.

Founders Hall at Widener University is now certified "green" by the U.S. Green Building
Council and becomes the first building at Widener, and the first in the city of Chester,
to receive that official recognition.

After working for 30 years as director of staff development for a hospital in Connecticut,
Jane Fleishman decided that she had one more career in her. Fleishman, 58, a doctoral
student in Widener's Center for Human Sexuality Studies, became interested in the
issues of sexuality and aging after a friend introduced her to Dr. Laura Singer-Magdoff,
a 95-year-old practicing psychotherapist. Fleishman soon began presenting sexuality
education lessons for the gray-haired set in Singer-Magdoff's weekly discussion group
at her assisted living community in the Bronx, N.Y.

On Saturday, May 4, Widener University and the Joseph J. Peters Institute (JJPI) will
present the Second Annual "Deepening Men's Relationships" conference. This year, the
all-day event held on Widener's Main Campus in Chester, Pa., focuses on the topic
"Men Healing from Childhood Sexual and Emotional Abuse."

More than three decades before he would achieve the rank of four-star general, John
Tilelli, who grew up on a farm in New Jersey, shook the hand of Dwight D. Eisenhower,
one of only five men ever named a five-star general in America's history. The handshake
came when "Ike," as the two-term former commander-in-chief was commonly known, visited
Pennsylvania Military College on the Friday before the 1963 commencement for a luncheon
in his honor, a military review of the cadets, a ceremony in which he bestowed awards,
and a reception.

What do autism and raspberries have in common? For Widener senior computer science
majors Justin Gordon and Tyler Romasco, the link is an inexpensive microcomputer that
could help children with autism become more effective learners.

Could common fruit flies hold the key to healing spinal cord injuries in humans? Dr.
Hemlata Mistry, assistant professor of biology at Widener University, is conducting
research with undergraduate students to find out.

The Widener Partnership Charter School, Pennsylvania's first university-based charter
school, on Tuesday announced Darlene G. Davis as the new principal and chief executive
officer. Davis will lead the groundbreaking school based at Widener University as
it completes its middle school expansion through eighth grade this fall.

Widener University and Sussex Technical School District, a public career and technical
education school district in Georgetown, Del., are expanding their recently announced
partnership to include the Widener doctoral degree program in K-12 Educational Leadership:
School System Leadership beginning this fall.

Rula Al-Saffar, ranked 11th by Arabian Business Magazine on its list of the 500 most
influential Arabs, will deliver the Widener University commencement address and receive
an honorary doctorate of public service degree on May 18 in a ceremony beginning at
9:45 a.m. on the quad behind Old Main on Widener's Main Campus in Chester. Nearly
800 students will graduate with associate's, bachelor's, master's and doctorate degrees.

Widener University's FreshBaked Theatre Company will present "Robin Hood" for young
audiences on Sunday, April 14 and Saturday, April 20 at 3 p.m. in Alumni Auditorium
on Widener's Main Campus in Chester, Pa.

Widener University has been selected as a Presidential Award Finalist for the 2013
President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, the highest federal recognition
a college or university can receive for its commitment to volunteering, service-learning
and civic engagement. Widener, which has been named to the honor roll every year since
its inception in 2006, was one of only 14 institutions nationwide to be named a Presidential
Award Finalist, and one of only 113 institutions to make the honor roll "With Distinction."

Sometimes laughter is the best way to prepare yourself to take tough medicine. Erskine
Bowles, former White House chief of staff under President Bill Clinton, delivered
doses of both Monday during the Philadelphia Speakers Series presented by Widener
University at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia.

The Council of Social Work Education has reaffirmed the accreditation of Widener University's
undergraduate and master's degree programs in social work for a full eight years,
according to John Poulin, associate dean of the School of Human Services Professions
and director of the Center for Social Work Education at Widener.

Widener University, one of the nation's premier universities for civic engagement
and applied leadership, in partnership with WCAU-TV NBC10, today announced the winners
of the Widener University High School Leadership Awards. In its second year, the
program recognized 93 students from high schools in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware
who demonstrate courage and leadership within their communities.

Last year, Dr. Sachin Patil, assistant professor of chemical engineering, published
a hypothesis on Alzheimer's disease in the peer-reviewed journal Medical Hypotheses.
His research discovered that improving one's level of glucose metabolism in the brain
could increase a binding protein which is found to be low in Alzheimer's patients,
and one of its causes.

Chris Matthews is splitting time between San Francisco and New York City as part of
his new job as a senior brand strategist with Goodby, Silverstein & Partners (GSP).
In addition to his new job, the 2008 Widener communication studies graduate was recently
named to the Forbes Magazine "30 Under 30" list in the field of marking and advertising.
Recognizing those who are "disrupting the advertising and marketing industry like
nobody's business," Forbes bestowed the 26-year-old Matthews with the honor in December.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane today announced the appointment of
Associate Professor H. Geoffrey Moulton, Jr. to lead her office's internal investigation
into how the Jerry Sandusky child abuse case was handled. He will serve as a special
deputy attorney general with the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, reporting
directly to Kane.

What do Dr. Wes Leckrone of Widener's political science faculty and media personality
Stephen Colbert have in common? Aside from the easy answer of quick wit and the ability
to captivate an audience, they both started a Super PAC as somewhat of an educational
experiment.

Former President Bill Clinton has invited Widener University to join the Clinton Global
Initiative University (CGI University) Network, a growing consortium of colleges and
universities that support, mentor, and provide seed funding to student leaders, innovators
and entrepreneurs to develop solutions to some of the world's most pressing challenges.
Widener becomes one of only 24 colleges and universities nationwide to join the network,
and the only institution in the five-county Philadelphia region.

Widener University did not have to look far for its new football coach as it picked
Bobby Acosta to lead the Pride, which has won two national titles and advanced to
the quarterfinals of the NCAA Division III tournament in 2012.

"The experience was really surreal. I've been watching Food Network for many years,
so just the thought of being associated with anything Food Network was amazing," says
Kristin Weldon Peri of competing on the January 17th episode of Food Network's "Sweet
Genius."

The School of Business Administration at Widener University has maintained its business
accreditation by AACSB International--The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools
of Business. Founded in 1916, AACSB International is the longest serving global accrediting
body for business schools that offer undergraduate, master's, and doctoral degrees
in business and accounting.